Rod Stewart Compilation Collects Vintage Rarities

Deep cuts and rarities from the early years of Rod Stewart's solo career are seeing the light of day in a new compilation, due this fall.

The double-disc set, aptly titled 'Rarities,' culls little-heard cuts from Stewart's tenure as a Mercury Records artist between 1969-74 -- a period that produced classic albums such as 'Gasoline Alley,' 'Every Picture Tells a Story' and 'Never a Dull Moment,' as well as massive hit singles like 'Maggie May.'

While he'd certainly go on to enjoy further commercial success during the '80s and beyond, Stewart's Mercury recordings hold a special appeal. As the 'Rarities' liner notes put it (quoted by ABC News Radio), "For many serious fans, Stewart's Mercury years represent his creative peak, and the music that he made during that period retains a special place in the hearts of his admirers."

Among the unreleased recordings and non-album singles collected in 'Rarities,' fans can expect covers of songs by Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, the Who, Bob Dylan and -- in an early hint of the fondness for dinner music Stewart would display during his bestselling series of 'Great American Songbook' albums -- Cole Porter. Additionally, the set includes alternate takes of well-known songs such as 'Maggie May,' which appears twice, both as an early demo and a live BBC performance.

'Rarities' collects 24 tracks in all, and is due in stores on Sept. 3.